“Persistence,” he muttered. With the stakes so high, nor was he surprised.
She gave a sharp inhale. “Look to the left!”
Across the river, several more knights emerged from the dense forest. Moments later, he caught sight of a large contingent riding into view. Several men dismounted, and the othersfollowed suit.
Aiden cursed as soldiers began to set up tents. Candlelight wavered across her face as he slid the entry back into place, muting the roar of the falls. “’Twould seem they are planning to remain here through the night. Is there another way out besidesthis passage?”
Face pale, she shook her head. “Nay.”
Chapter 10
Though Gwendolyn believed that aside from this passage there wasn’t another way out, Aiden disagreed. If this cavern had been designed by the Templars, there would be more than one means of escape. For now, though, time to discover more about this caverndid not exist.
“If the English havena left by morning,” she said, “we could try to slip out tomorrow night.”
He shook his head. “We wouldna get that far. Their leader believes we are close, and he will have posted significant guard around the entire area.”
“We dinna have time to sit and wait until they move on,” she said, nerves edging her voice. “Lord Comyn must be warned.”
“Indeed.” Except the warning would be shared with King Robert. Aiden damned the delay. On horseback, by now both Rónán and Cailin had reached their sovereign. God’s sword, he must reach the Bruce before he ordered forces toLatharn Castle!
A short while later, the soft crackle of flames filled the silence inside the secluded chamber as Aiden leaned back in a chair of crafted oak. He swallowed another bite of bread, then cast a covert glance toward her.
Heat stormed his body at Gwendolyn’s slender frame outlined in the firelight. Pale hair the color of ripened wheat shimmered within the fire’s glow, the length spilling over her shoulders taunting, demanding he sink his hands into the silken depths. He silently groaned as his gaze lowered to her soft curves.
Irritation filled him at the draw, that however much he tried, he couldn’t erase the memory of their kiss. He glanced at her untouched food. “You need to eat.”
“How can I when I fear for those trapped within the castle?”
He tore off another piece of bread. “With the Englishmen’s focus on war, I doubt them foolish enough to harm those preparing their meals or tending to the stronghold.”
Hope flickered in her gaze. “Is that a common decision by the victor who seizes a fortress?”
“’Tis prudent for anyone in charge to weigh the consequences of his decisions.” Aiden chewed the fare, swallowed. “Many who seize a stronghold demand fealty from all within.”
“I pray the Duke of Northbyrn will showsuch leniency.”
Despite the hope in her voice, Aiden refused to utter false assurances that her people would remain safe. Too many times, he’d witnessed horrific consequences brought against those loyal to aprevious lord.
He refilled her goblet, then pushed the wine toward her. “Drink; ’twill help you relax.”
“After our hard travel, you would think I could consider naught but sleep,” she said, her voice breaking into a rough whisper, “but in addition to my worry for my people, I am haunted by the devastation on my tenants’ faces.” Trembling fingers tucked away strands of hair that had fallen on her cheek. “The homes they built, the fields they labored in over the years, all lost.”
He refilled his cup. “Scotland must unite under one leader.”
Grayeyes darkened.
Aiden smothered the urge to assure her they’d flourish beneath the Bruce’s reign. Until the clans united beneath his sovereign, naught wouldexist but war.
“I fear for my liege lord as well,” she said. “Instead of the English joining with him, his forces will be gutted by those to whom he has foolishly given his trust.” Her eyes widened. “Mary’s will, what if Lord Comyn is killed during the attack?”
“Gwendolyn,” Aiden said softly, “there is nay more we can do this night. On the morrow, and with us both rested, we will decideour next move.”
Tired lines creased her brow as she set her goblet aside. “You are right.” She crossed the chamber, leaned against the timeworn stone and stared out. “What if after everything we canna reclaim my home, and”—tears pooled beneath her lashes—“I have failed my people.”
His fingers curled into a fist beneath the ache inside him for her anguish. Time and again she’d proven herself a woman of honor. Instead of her own safety and possessions, her greatest worries were for thosewho served her.
Humbled by the depth of her caring, moved by this woman any man would be blessed to call his wife, Aiden shoved to his feet and walked over. “Never couldyou fail them.”
